Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw may not have known exactly how to feel heading into the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, but everyone else knew exactly how to feel about him. The Dodgers legend—at 37, back from injury and uncertain about his future—was celebrated by fans, peers, and legends alike during a game that felt like a possible farewell.
“I don’t know what is going to happen in the future,” Kershaw told the Orange County Register. “I really have no idea… I’m just trying to enjoy it, be part of a really good team this year. We still have a lot to accomplish. We still have October.”
Kershaw was selected to his 12th Midsummer Classic as a Commissioner’s “Legend Pick,” a decision he initially met with hesitation.
“You don’t ever want to take somebody’s spot or be like a sideshow,” he said. “But now that I’m done with it, it was awesome… a great thing to share with my family and kiddos.”
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Despite modest stats—4-1 with a 3.38 ERA over 10 starts—Kershaw’s presence loomed large. He was mic’d up during the game, joking with John Smoltz, explaining pitch sequences, and soaking in the moment. After striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he exited to a standing ovation from players and fans alike.
“He’s probably one of the Mount Rushmore guys in Dodger history,” said Mets slugger Pete Alonso.
“Our lockers were next to each other,” Skenes said when asked by Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain. “He’s such a class act. It’s just so impressive, obviously, what he’s done in the game, but the human that he is. In the waiting room before the red carpet he had all of his kids — watching him be a dad, it was a cool experience for me.”
From Cal Raleigh to Jason Adam to Jacob Misiorowski, young stars across the league viewed Kershaw not just as a peer—but as a role model. Padres star Manny Machado called him a “legend,” and Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez sealed the moment postgame:
“I’ll see you in Cooperstown, bro.”
Kershaw is just the fourth left-handed pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts. His accolades—three Cy Youngs, one MVP, a World Series ring, and a 2.52 career ERA—make him one of the greatest of all time.
Whether this was his final All-Star appearance or not, baseball made it clear: Clayton Kershaw’s legacy is already immortal.